WILDOMAR -- It's been a good year for parks in Wildomar.

Marna O'Brien Park was back open and better than ever, residents said, during its dedication Saturday.

"I think this is an excellent way to welcome back the park and for residents of this soon-to-be city to get to know each other," said Art Calderon, a new Wildomar resident. "It's really a nice park."

The event -- with music, food and a movie at dusk --marked the third reopening of one of the area's parks. Marna O'Brien Park is located at 20505 Palomar Rd. and is the largest park in Wildomar.

The Ortega Trails Recreation and Park District was disbanded in 2000, a year after property owners rejected a $25-per-year fee for upkeep. Voters had been suspicious of the community's park district, which allegedly mishandled funds. As a result Marna O'Brien, Windsong and Regency Heritage parks have been closed for nearly seven years.

But last August, voters approved an annual parks fee of up to $45 to reopen and maintain the three parks. The parks are now maintained by the Riverside County Economic Development Agency.

The Marna O'Brien park was designed by David Evans and Associates and built by Western Rim Contractors at a total cost of $4.3 million. The sports and recreation park will be open from dawn to dusk daily.

"The design and construction went pretty smooth," said Jeff Scoot, a senior associate park planner. "Now, we're just waiting for the storm and sewer drains to be completed. Those improvements should be done soon."

Marna O'Brien Park has three baseball fields, a concession stand, restrooms, two basketball courts, picnic areas, shade structures and a playground for children.

Matt Lauritsen, 9, of Wildomar, had a blue mouth from the free Sno-cones given to attendees. He wasted no time picking his favorite feature of the 9-acre park.

"I like the baseball diamonds," Matt blurted out before continuing to eat candy.

Velina Manus, of Wildomar, also looked forward to the possibility of baseball games at the facility that is bordered by mountains of the Santa Ana Range.

"The last time I was her was this past Easter. The weeds were knee-high and the area was gated off," Manus said. "Now, this is a really nice facility. The only thing I wish they would have done differently was leave a couple more trees -- but it's still a beautiful park."

Terry Woodruff, facilities manager for the community services division of the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, said one more park is on the way for those who live in Wildomar and Lake Elsinore. Perret Park, located at Perret Boulevard and Grand Avenue, is scheduled to open on Sept. 15. That park will have access to Lake Elsinore beaches.

Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.